SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – Before practicing for the second time this week on his tender right ankle, Tom Brady yesterday expressed amusement in Plaxico Burress’ prediction of a Giants win – comments be made exclusively to The Post.

On his way to the airport on Monday, Burress told The Post the Giants would beat the Patriots 23-17 in Super Bowl XLII on Sunday.

“We’re only going to score 17 points?” Brady said with a laugh. “OK. Is Plax playing defense? I wish he had said 45-42 and gave us a little credit for more points.

“I know they have confidence. They should have confidence. They are the NFC champions. I learned a lesson early in my career: No matter what you say during the week … we’re going to be focused on going out and winning this game.

“We’re confident, but I don’t think we share our thoughts with everybody.”

The Patriots have reason for being confident. They set an NFL record by scoring 589 points, and Brady’s 50 touchdown passes were an NFL record for most in a single season.

Brady, who has been nursing a sore right ankle, practiced yesterday with noticably less tape around his ankle and without a pronounced limp, unlike Monday.

Brady was listed in the Patriots’ first official injury report as a player who had “full participation.” His ailment was listed as his shoulder, as it has been all season. His ankle injury was not listed in the report.

Brady’s ankle issues aside, Burress has not backed down from his bold prediction.

“I don’t understand what the fuss is about,” he said. “Nobody wants to lose. All this is entertainment. It’s sports and sports are entertainment. So 23-17 is the prediction I made, but the game still has to be played.

“I’m not taking anything away from what those guys accomplished. They set all the records you could possibly imagine. They have a great quarterback, the MVP. Randy (Moss) set a TD record for catches (23). They had two receivers with over 100 catches. The numbers don’t lie about what they have done.”